Today we split into two groups to go to an art class and a cooking class. After sleeping in a little bit, most kids went to breakfast before heading off with our groups.
Group 1 left the center with Rossella, the Italian language teacher at the center. We walked down into the valley, about 4 kilometers to a little couple's house on a nice farm. It was a long, hot walk, and we were extremely grateful for water and delicious bread. Rossella gave us a cheat sheet with many Italian words and phrases that were useful to know, such as lavorare l'impasto (to knead). They gave us ingredients and we all sat outside and made our own bread into flower shapes. Then, we made pizza from scratch: one with sausage, pepperoni, and ham, one with olives and ham, and one with tuna fish and onions. We waited for a few minutes while it cooked, and once it was done it was absolutely delicious. After the meal, we got our bread and some olive oil as souvenirs. Some of us walked home and some took a taxi, and then we showered up and relaxed until group time with everyone.
Rachel Rosenberg
After breakfast this morning, group two left the study center for a small art studio in Castiglion Fiorentino. Luckily, our walk was not four kilometers. The art studio is owned by a man who was born in Wyoming, so his instructions for ink printing were not complicated by a language barrier. Unfortunately for me, this means that I do not have any viable excuse for the paper that I contaminated today. Our art lesson was entertaining, even if competence was a struggle. The instructor, Rick, was quite good and it was interesting to see him mix his own oil paints in the studio. His studio also overlooks the city below - not a shabby place for an art studio. After our printing, group two had a nice short walk back to the studio for lunch. I intended to post pictures of the food, but I forgot to take pictures from today. After lunch, we had a group discussion about leadership and StrengthsQuest. With such an intelligent bunch of students, there are always some interesting examples that are used to explain topics of conversation. Physics analogies are generally not appreciated by those among us who are normal enough to not enjoy physics. Today was our first group discussion and it was very insightful. Our student, and adult, leaders truly are doing a fantastic job. There is an excellent balance of relaxed and serious personality, and I think I can speak for the group when I say I appreciate it. I apologize for any grammatical or spelling errors.
Benjamin Jack
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